Ashes fears for Olly Stone after third back stress fracture ends fast bowler’s summer
England pace bowler may miss Ashes series while Sussex’s left-arm quick George Garton steps is with first call-up

By
Tim Wigmore
19 June 2021 • 11:50pm
Olly Stone – Ashes fears for Olly Stone after third back stress fracture ends England fast bowler’s summer
Olly Stone has been identified as a key pace bowler for England in all forms of the game in the years ahead CREDIT: PA
England fast bowler Olly Stone has been ruled out for the rest of the summer with a stress fracture of the back, dealing England a major blow for their five-match Test series against India and, potentially, this winter’s Ashes series too.

Stone is highly regarded within the England set-up for his 90mph pace bowling, and took three for 97 in the match against New Zealand last week, displaying a threat with the old ball on a flat pitch. He has taken 10 wickets at just 19 apiece in his three Tests so far, and was widely praised for taking four wickets in the second Test in Chennai in February.

But Stone’s third back stress fracture in as many years is a major concern. He has been identified as a crucial bowler for England in the years ahead, including for this winter’s Ashes, with his pace seen as a vital asset in more benign batting conditions.

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England have long hoped to attack Australia with three 90mph quicks this winter. But Stone’s injury, coupled with Jofra Archer’s recovery from a right elbow injury – he is unlikely to be fit for the first Test against India on Aug 4 – leaves two of England’s 90mph trio currently injured, with only Mark Wood fit.

Aged 27, Stone was seen to be entering his prime years.

Stone also figures prominently in England’s plans in white-ball cricket, building up to October’s T20 World Cup. He would have featured in England’s squad for the one-day international series against Sri Lanka, which begins on June 29, after which England also play three T20s against the same opponents.

But Stone’s injury has afforded Sussex’s left-arm quick George Garton a first call-up to the senior national squad at the age of 24.

Read more at
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2021/06/19/ashes-fears-olly-stone-third-back-stress-fracture-ends-fast/

RH